Kiiran Patel
Many struggles with energy, focus, and sleep, often turning to stimulants for a quick fix, feels Functional Nutritionist Kiiran Patel, stressing on the importance of good fats!
In this fast-paced world, energy, restful sleep, and mental clarity often feel like rare luxuries, slipping further away as life speeds up. Drained and depleted, many adults turn to quick fixes-caffeine, sugar, prescription meds, or worse-just to keep going. But while these might offer a fleeting boost, they lead to an inevitable crash. Over time, this cycle wreaks havoc on the body, straining your heart, adrenals, and even inviting insulin resistance. Your body craves more than stimulants; it's begging for something essential-good fats.
Fats are not the enemy. In fact, they're vital for producing and regulating hormones, keeping hunger in check, and supporting healthy reproductive health for women. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, regulate cholesterol, reduce inflammation, sustain nerve impulses, and help with memory and tissue structure. Yet, while omega-6 polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), found in vegetable oils, have a place in our diets, they are often consumed in excess and can become pro-inflammatory if not balanced properly.
Most people today are deficient in the anti-inflammatory powerhouses-Omega-3s. These crucial fats come in three main forms: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), found in fatty fish, and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), found in nuts and seeds. Omega-6s, while helpful in protecting against nerve pain, breast cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, need to be balanced with Omega-3s for optimal health. Omega-9s, primarily oleic acid from olives, canola, and almonds, help reduce triglycerides and manage hypertension while improving insulin sensitivity.
The ideal balance of Omega 3, 6, and 9 in our diets should be a ratio of 3:1:1. Unfortunately, the modern diet often reverses this, leading to a cascade of health issues. To restore balance, it's essential not just to consume more Omega-3s but to reduce processed vegetable oils. Watch out for cheaper Omega-3 supplements too; rancid oils can do more harm than good.
Sources of these life-giving fats include fatty fish, nuts, seeds, ghee, coconut oil, avocado, or a high-quality Omega-3 supplement. Nourishing your body with the right fats can transform your energy, clarity, and overall vitality. You'll feel more grounded, more at ease in your own skin, and capable of navigating life's challenges with sharper focus and better balance.
